The Proper Pieces for Every Pace

by Jessica Sturdy on August 12, 2014

I finally purchased a Jawbone Up24 band a few weeks ago and I’ve become kind of obsessed with making sure I get in 10,000+ steps per day. If you’re not familiar, it’s a little band that you wear on your wrist (amongst your stack of bracelets) and it tracks your steps and your sleep. (My boss forwarded me this David Sedaris piece about your life revolving around a little band and it’s pretty funny, but also kind of hits close to home!) I know some people who have stopped using their bands for various reasons but overall, I think it’s going well for me.

I’ve been making a conscious effort to walk from point A to point B instead of taking a cab or the subway. I’m realizing that cabs are kind of the enemy when it comes to getting your steps in. At least when you take the subway you have to walk to the station, go down the stairs, etc. If it’s a nice night out, I’ll walk home from dinner, even if it’s across Manhattan to squeeze in some extra steps. I’ve been trying to get up a little bit earlier and walk to the gym in the morning instead of racing to a cab. There have been a few times where I’ve brought a change of clothes to work and walked home from my office afterward. On the weekends, I’ve been making it a point to get out and just WALK! I’m trying to be outside as much as possible this month (Summer, why do you have to fly by so fast?!) so I’ve been swapping a few SoulCycle classes for long walks outdoors when I have time. And on the plus side, it’s f.r.e.e.

It’s pretty easy to hit the daily 10,000 step goal when living in New York, but it’s been a challenge to hit my mark when I’ve been traveling and been in a driving city. It’s a little bit discouraging when you don’t hit the goal, but overall I simply like that I’m more aware of how much activity I’m doing. There have been some days where I let myself get carried away (i.e. walking around the block when I get home just to make sure I hit my goal), but I don’t think it’s an unhealthy obsession so far. Especially when I’m sitting at a desk most of every day, it’s a great reminder to get up and move your legs a bit! I’m interested to see how challenging it becomes to get my steps in when the weather turns colder. I’ll keep you posted!

But now that it’s August, I’m sporting shorts when I’ve been out and about and walking around the city and along the East River path. You know I’m typically a fan of cropped tights to work out in, but it’s nice getting a little bit of Vitamin D when I’m on the move. (Just don’t forget the sunscreen!)

My typical walking look consists of a loosely fitted tee (like the adidas Ultimate Tee), a pair of printed shorts, and my adidas Boost Sneakers. I know I’ve said this over and over and over, but I seriously cannot get enough of these shoes. I think I’m up to 4 or 5 pairs now. Don’t you just feel better when you have a fun pair of sneakers on? I have a feeling I’m not alone on this one!

How are you staying active this month to soak up the last month of summer? And have you used any type of band to track your activity? What did you think?

adidas Women designs innovative performance products to help women commit to their best self and conquer their fitness goals. We inspire women to look and feel their best, so kick-start your workout today with new styles from @adidasWomen. It’s time to #committomore. www.adidas.com/women | Disclosure: Compensation was provided by adidas via Glam Media. As always, all opinions are my own! Thanks for supporting the brands and collaborations that make Bows & Sequins possible!

I know what you mean about trying to get your steps in. I wouldn’t say I’m obsessed with my UP24 but there have definitely been nights when I’ve jogged in place while my food is heating in the microwave to get more steps in. Having a dog helps hit the daily step goal too.

I just bought the FitBit – I was impatiently waiting for the Tory Burch collab I’ve had it for almost a week and I must say…it’s depressing haha. I work in an office job and the amount of steps I take from the 8-5 hour is dismal. But, I’ve been trying to take a walk during lunch and to walk to the gym, too.

I loved this post!! Fitness is so important, and having cute fitness gear makes it 100x better for me. Love your outfit!! I’ve been starting to research different fit bands like the fitbit and I’m really tempted to get one. I used to walk SO much in college, but now that I’ve been at a desk job for over a year in a driving town I don’t even want to know how little I walk. But I will definitely check out your Jawbone band!!

I loveee the shorts!
I have a fitbit which I absolutely adore, and I alway feel so proud of myself when it vibrates and the lights dance, meaning I’ve hit my 10,000 steps. I need to start pushing myself more and making sure that I hit the 10,000 steps everyday, but it’s so easy to take the bus instead, and staying indoors all day for school and work just happens toooo often.

I haven’t tried out one of these bands and I think they are a great idea, but I feel like I would never hit that goal. I live in Texas, and it is wayyy too hot to walk anywhere. We drive everywhere and then there is a valet once you get there, so we don’t have to walk at all ever. Probably not good at all, though I prefer not passing out from heat stroke!

Would love to hear more about your Jawbone experience. Just got mine yesterday and I’m unsure about it. Do you wear it during SoleCycle? Does it log your work? I think this is a really cool element you’ve brought into the blog; it’s like “every girl fitness!”

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